Did you know there are hundreds of wild donkeys living in
North Cyprus. Located in the pan handle area of the island, the wild donkeys
enjoy a protective environment which is the Karpaz national park. This area is
a protected area, with a limited amount of construction being permitted,
preserving the natural environment, untouched beaches and natural habitat of
the wild donkeys.
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| Wild Donkeys Saying Hello in North Cyprus |
Where Did These Donkeys Come From?
The Donkeys historically are actually from
domestic donkeys. They were once important to households and farmers. Each family
would have a donkey to help them with agricultural duties, carry stock, olives,
carobs, fruit, vegetables to storage, and to traders. Donkeys were once a key
mode of transport.
They were left in the 1970s, when the
island was divided. As people abandoned them, they were left to fend for
themselves in the wild. Over the decades the donkeys grew in numbers in the
wild.
How Many Donkeys?
Now there is currently and estimated 500
wild donkeys in Karpaz region. The donkeys were at one point going to be sold
of to turkey, however due to pressure from environmentalists and biologists;
they were left to enjoy their natural surroundings. Now considered a national
heritage, they are protected species.
What Now?
The donkeys still live in this beautiful part
of the island. One of the most virgin areas in the Mediterranean, the region is
out of bounds for tourism development. However there is small eco villages and
house being built. Large complexes are not permitted. However pressure for
tourism is continuing, with potential for investment overtaking the occasional guided tours of the area, with various considerations over the years for
using this precious land.
I personally glad the land remains untouched
as a national asset. An amazing place to visit on all counts, the Karpaz peninsula
has scenery unfound elsewhere. Beaches challenge those in the Caribbean let
alone the Mediterranean, and the crystal clear waters, and open landscape are
just mesmerising.
The Donkeys… well Im sure they are quite happy
relaxing under the shade of the olive trees, and enjoying the slow pace of life
up in the Northern tip of North Cyprus.